Early Life
Brad Jacobs was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on August 3, 1956. He attended Northfield Mount Hermon School and studied mathematics and music at Bennington College and Brown University, though he did not complete a degree. His early life and education laid the groundwork for his future entrepreneurial endeavors.
Rise to Success
Jacobs began his career in 1979 by co-founding Amerex Oil Associates. His entrepreneurial journey continued with the founding of United Waste Systems in 1989, a waste management company. He took the company public in 1992 and sold it in 1997 for $2.5 billion. In 1997, he founded United Rentals, which became the world's largest heavy equipment rental company. In 2011, he transformed Express-1 Expedited Solutions into XPO Logistics. XPO Logistics is a top 10 global provider of transportation and logistics solutions.
Key Business Strategies
Jacobs' key business strategy involves identifying fragmented industries and scaling companies through acquisitions. He has led approximately 500 acquisitions throughout his career. He focuses on building large enterprises through M&A, economies of scale, and cost reduction. His companies often have strong positions in freight brokerage, last-mile delivery, and contract logistics.
Philanthropy
While specific philanthropy amounts are not readily available, Jacobs has been involved in philanthropic activities, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.
